NECAC staff members nationally certified

Dianna Clair and Karen St. Clair of the North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) have earned national recognition as certified housing counselors.

The two Bowling Green residents passed examinations established by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO) in the fields of Housing Choice Voucher Occupancy and Housing Choice Voucher Eligibility, Income and Rent Calculation.

St. Clair started at NECAC in September 2005 as a property manager. She currently serves as a housing program analyst. Clair joined NECAC in August 2007 as a housing assistance counselor. She currently holds the title of Section 8 rent-assistance programs director.

The certifications represent completion of training on housing counseling regulations and practices of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The training is designed to give housing counselors the tools they need to help current and prospective homeowners and renters make responsible choices to address housing needs.

“The training is very beneficial to insure program integrity and compliance.” Clair and St. Clair said in a joint statement. “We appreciate the continued guidance and training opportunities provided by Missouri NAHRO and NECAC.”

NECAC is a HUD-approved housing counseling agency, and has been contracting with HUD for more than 35 years to operate the HUD Section 8 Housing Rent-Assistance program.

The program allows NECAC to make full or partial monthly rent-subsidy payments directly to participating private landlords on behalf of the income-qualifying families and individuals. The tenant then pays the remaining balance of the rent directly to the landlord on a monthly basis.

NECAC contracts with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other not-for profit organizations to operate and administer self-sufficiency service programs for the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged population. The agency’s Central Administration Offices are located in Bowling Green, with NECAC Service Centers operated in each county.

The agency administers more than 2,600 Section 8 vouchers in its service area. For more information, call the appropriate NECAC County Service Center or the NECAC Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Bowling Green toll free at 1-866-552-5560.